With a record-high 28,647 deaths involving opioids in 2014, the Centers for Disease Control is advising doctors not to prescribe the potentially addictive pills in most situations for chronic pain. "It has become increasingly clear that opioids carry substantial risk but only uncertain benefits -- especially compared with other treatments for chronic pain," CDC Director Dr. Thomas R. Frieden told reporters in March.

So if, for example, you're concerned about overdosing and experiencing musculoskeletal conditions including low back and neck pain, many experts say it's time to consider an alternative like chiropractic care. "It's heartening to see the growing opioid epidemic is finally gaining the attention it deserves," said Sherry McAllister, DC, executive vice president of the not-for-profit Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, noting that doctors of chiropractic have a minimum seven years of higher education and provide care and rehabilitation on issues ranging from musculoskeletal pain to headaches to general health concerns.